Rep. Peter Welch today brought to the attention of the nation's top consumer advocate – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray – a number cases where Vermonters are struggling under unfair treatment by large financial institutions. President Obama recently recess appointed Cordray after months of refusal by Senate Republicans to consider his nomination.

Welch took the opportunity to question Cordray during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, asking him how the new Bureau will help these Vermonters and prevent further abuses. To see the video, CLICK HERE.

The CFPB was created as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act written in response to the financial collapse, which was largely driven by the reckless behavior of Wall Street banks. The Bureau will act as the nation's first-ever cop on the beat solely focused on protecting consumers by enforcing consumer protection laws and ensuring individuals are not exploited by large financial firms.

Consumers struggling with home mortgages, student loans, credits cards or other consumer financial products can get help at http://www.consumerfinance.gov.